If you have any questions not covered on this page, please don’t hesitate to ask me by email, or give me a call on 0116 286 2800
What's the best way to order?
If you live within range of me (I am in Leicestershire), the best way is to book me to come and visit you. I can show you samples of work and frames, get to know my subject, and take photos. My paintings always come out better if I've been able to take my own photos because I've been involved right from the start, and I know what I'm looking for when I take the pictures. I will then email you the photos or send you a set of prints or a CD ROM(yours to keep) from which you choose your favourite. You need to send me a 50% deposit when you place your commission. The balance is payable when you receive the painting.
How much does the photography service cost?
This service costs £50 if you are opting for a Sketch Portrait. For all other portraits, I consider it essential to take my own pictures, so it's included in the quoted price. Travel is charged at 75p per mile outside Leicestershire.
Any tips on preparing my animal for the photo session?
Give them a good brush before I arrive, and please make sure they have a dry coat. If you can have an assistant handy it will help enormously. I take all my pictures using daylight, so if you can think of a good place outdoors where they will be alert but comfortable, that's useful. It doesn’t have to be anywhere picturesque. Please bear in mind the session will have to be rescheduled if the weather is bad - it's worth waiting for good light.
What if I don't decide what I want straight away?
Many of my customers like to take their time on what's an important decision. After all, you will be looking at the painting for a long time! I don't want anyone to rush into a choice they're not really sure about, so I ask that a £50 deposit is paid if you aren't expecting to place an order within 6 weeks of photography. After that you have 6 months to decide. Unless you decide on a Sketch, the photography charge will be deducted from the eventual price.
I don't live anywhere near Leicestershire. Can you give me some advice on taking my own photos?
Yes, lots! I've written a separate page on this topic, click here to read it.
Why aren't my photos good enough for a pastel?
Very often, what makes a great photo isn’t the same as what makes a great reference for a painting. After years of using my own photography, I know how to record exactly the right visual information about my sitter to create the best possible realistic artwork. I also make important notes about colour and markings which could potentially register differently on a photo. Added to that, I feel it makes a huge difference if I have the chance to meet and interact with them, although it may only be for a short time I take a lot of that away with me and put it all into my work.
I would like a portrait of my dog who passed away last year. Unfortunately the photos I have of him aren't very clear. Can you use them?
I can always do something, even if it's a miniature. The best thing is if you can let me see the photos you have (as many as possible), and I can advise you of the best option(s).
A professional photographer took a really good shot of my horse at a show. Can you use it in my character study?
You need to obtain permission from the photographer: not to do so would be a breach of copyright. In my experience they rarely object, but be prepared to pay a small fee.
Any other advice for customers ordering by post?
It's invaluable with any portrait where I'm unable to meet my subject, if you can tell me a little about their character. This helps me to build up the 'bigger picture' which is what puts something extra into the portrait and makes it more than a mere copy of a photo. Also, if you're able to, it's a huge help to send me your negatives or uncompressed digital image file so I can hand print enlargements to work from, and get the most accurate colour and detail. You have my assurance that I will treat your treasured photos and negatives with the utmost care and they will be returned to you safely when the portrait is finished. It's advisable for you to send negatives to me by recorded delivery.
How long does it take you to do a portrait?
They vary a lot - I can finish the small sketches in a day but most commissions take around 3-8 full days' work. The prices are a good guide to this, as I have worked them out according to how many hours I expect to spend on a particular type of painting. I only work on one painting at a time, and I like to knuckle down and get totally absorbed in it for long periods.
How long will I have to wait for my commission?
Most portraits are completed within twelve weeks, but please check with me first if you need one at short notice, particularly towards Christmas. You will be advised of the expected delivery date with your order confirmation.
How will my portrait be delivered?
If you live locally to me, I will probably bring it directly to you myself. For customers further afield, I use the Post Office's Special Delivery service, which guarantees next-day delivery and enables me to insure work against damage (fortunately very rare).
What are the frames like?
I use top quality mouldings, and all styles are fitted with bevel cut window mounts and glass (or perspex glazing if I'm posting). I choose styles and colours to enhance the portrait, and each frame is made specifically for me by a professional framer. If you have any particular preferences, please consult me before I start work on your commission. Many people leave it to me to choose a frame that suits the portrait, but it can be helpful if I know what the environment is like where the picture will be hung, so I can ensure it fits in with the style and colour scheme.
Why are your portraits sometimes odd sizes?
I prefer to be flexible enough to compose each picture to its best advantage. This sometimes means I will adapt a size quoted as 12x8" to 11x9", or maybe to a longer format for a multiple portrait, so it could be 14x6".
Could I have a larger portrait than your price list shows?
By all means - the price list is merely based on the most popular sizes, and I could easily give you a quote for a larger portrait, likewise for in-between sizes.
Do you still own the copyright of a portrait I have commissioned?
Yes, copyright ownership is very important to artists, just as it is to authors and musicians. It means that no-one except myself may publish or reproduce any work I have done in any way, unless they have my specific written permission. It does not prevent you from reselling the portrait, not that you'd want to!
Can you send me a brochure?
Certainly. I have full colour brochures available to anyone who wants them. Just email me with your postal address and I'll send you one.
Can I pay for a portrait by credit card?
Yes, I accept payments via PayPal which includes bank transfer or credit card. If you’d like to use this method, please email me first so I can send you an invoice.
I'm ready to send you an order, what's your address?
24 Sandhill Drive, Enderby, Leics LE19 2LP. Please remember to enclose a 50% deposit (cheques payable to Mary Herbert), and send precious photographs and negatives by recorded delivery. Please read through my Terms & Conditions before you place the order
I look forward to hearing from you
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